Traffic accident deaths increased 8% in 2020, a year when most of the nation’s roadways emptied out because of coronavirus-related lockdowns. According to a report released by the National Safety Council (NSC), which is a nonprofit focused on promoting safety in the United States, the roads gave drivers an open invitation to engage in reckless and dangerous driving. In spite of a 13% drop in miles driven last year, the estimated rate of death spiked 24% compared to 2019.
What the Report States
Nationwide, states saw increases in speeding, distracted driving and in some 
cases, impaired driving. In April 2020, the Governor’s Highway Safety Administration (GHSA) said state highway safety officials across the country reported a severe spike in speeding. Preliminary NSC data showed that as many as 42,060 people died in traffic accidents in 2020 compared to 39,107 fatalities because of motor vehicle accidents in 2019.
Seven states and the District of Columbia saw more than a 15% increase in the estimated number of car accident deaths last year and only nine states saw a decrease in deaths. Earlier this year, the NSC and other agencies called upon the Biden administration to commit to zero roadway deaths by 2050, similar to New York City’s Vision Zero program created by Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2014, which pledged to eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries on city streets by 2024.
The report says one of the solutions is for automakers to make sure that all vehicles come equipped with safety features such as emergency braking and lane departure warning systems, not just higher-end vehicles. Safety advocates say these safety features should not be just for those with the money to afford a more expensive car. The report also says governmental agencies should work to improve crumbling infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
Reckless Driving and Car Accidents
Driving without regard for others’ safety is one of the main reasons car accidents occur. The three dangerous driving behaviors mentioned in the NSC report – speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving – cause or contribute to a vast majority of fatalities and injuries in the United States. Drivers who breach their duty of care to others are said to be negligent (careless) and in addition to facing criminal charges and penalties, can also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses they cause to victims and their families.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, it is very important that you file a police report, seek and obtain prompt medical attention and treatment for your injuries, collect as much evidence from the scene as possible and contact an experienced New York City car accident lawyer who will fight to protect your legal rights and help you secure maximum compensation for your losses.
Injured victims of car accidents can seek compensation from at-fault parties for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc. Families that have lost loved ones in pedestrian accidents can seek compensation for damages such as lost future income, medical and funeral costs, pain and suffering, etc.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident or pedestrian accident, or if you have lost a loved one in an auto accident caused by a negligent (careless) driver, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you.
For over 49 years, our skilled accident attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims get fair compensation for their losses. Our law firm recently recovered $5,600,000 for a bicyclist who was hit by a van, and $2,550,000 for another victim of a truck accident, and $3,000,000 for a pedestrian who was hit by a car, and the full $1,000,000 insurance policy for a pedestrian who was hit by a truck, and $4,625,000 for a driver who was in a car and was hit by a van, and $2,500,000 for a man who fell through an improperly secured hole. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury and/or medical malpractice cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other TOLL FREE phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/motor-vehicle-deaths-2020-fewer-people-roads-amid/story?id=76232250